On June 13th, a significant milestone was reached in the future of elevated travel at sea. Construction officially began on Celebrity Cruises' next ship, Celebrity Xcel. The keel laying ceremony took place at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, commemorating this momentous occasion for the latest and most elevated vessel in Celebrity's award-winning Edge Series.

Unveiling the Future of Elevated Sea Travel with Celebrity Xcel

Construction Beginnings and Keel Laying Ceremony

During the ceremony, Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group (the parent company of Celebrity Cruises), Laura Hodges Bethge (president of Celebrity Cruises), and Laurent Castaing (general manager of Chantiers de l'Atlantique) lowered the first 739-ton steel block for the new ship in the dry dock. This longstanding maritime tradition involves placing newly minted coins on the first piece of steel to bring good luck during construction and future sailings. The coin design honored NASA's Saturn V rocket, symbolizing the new caliber of excellence ushered in by the Edge Series ships. 2: This ceremony marked not only the start of construction but also the laying of the foundation for countless memories to be created. Each new ship represents an opportunity to advance the journey towards net zero, and with Celebrity Xcel, it is the first methanol-capable ship, contributing to the transition to the energy platform of the future.

Unparalleled Guest Experiences and Future Sailings

When Celebrity Xcel sets sail in fall 2025, it will connect guests to the breathtaking world around them like never before. It will further the innovative experiences coveted in its sister ships with several new yet-to-be-revealed offerings, providing an unparalleled premium vacation. In November 2025, it will make its debut in the Caribbean, sailing from Fort Lauderdale on seven-night itineraries that alternate between the Bahamas, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. These sailings are now open for booking. 2: Guests can look forward to a vacation like no other, with every detail elevated beyond expectations. Celebrity Cruises has been an industry pioneer for 35 years, and with the highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel arriving in fall 2025, it continues to shatter industry expectations.

Advancing Sustainability with Tri-Fuel Capable Engine

Pushing the boundaries of leisure travel, Celebrity Xcel will advance Royal Caribbean Group's decades-long commitment to sustaining the planet with the first tri-fuel capable engine. This new engine provides unmatched fuel flexibility, capable of using three types of fuel, including methanol, which is a first for the company. It represents an important steppingstone on the company's journey to Destination Net Zero, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. 2: By incorporating this innovative technology, Celebrity Cruises is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future, while still offering guests an unforgettable vacation experience.About Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises delivers an elevated premium vacation experience across their fleet of ships traveling to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries spanning all seven continents. With the intimate feel and thoughtful service of small ships combined with the variety and excitement of bigger ones, guests can explore the world or get away from it for a while. Every detail is elevated beyond expectations, making Celebrity Cruises a unique choice for vacationers. An industry pioneer for 35 years, each Celebrity vacation offers experiences you won't find anywhere else.Arlene Goldberg is president of Action Travel Center in Solon. You can watch Arlene weekdays on WKYC’s “Good Company” at noon with “Hot Travel Deals.”Content provided by advertising partner